Learn on PengiHistory Alive! The Medieval World and BeyondChapter 7: Civilizations of the Americas

Lesson 2: The Aztecs

In this Grade 7 lesson from History Alive! The Medieval World and Beyond, students explore how the Aztecs rose to power in the Valley of Mexico, tracing their origins as nomadic Mexica hunter-gatherers through their settlement on Lake Texcoco and the founding of Tenochtitlán. Students examine the influence of earlier civilizations, including the Teotihuacáns and Toltecs, and learn how the Aztecs used mercenary warfare and political alliances to establish dominance in the region.

Section 1

The Mexica Settle the Valley of Mexico

Key Idea

The people who became the Aztecs originally called themselves the Mexica. For many years, they were a nomadic group, moving from place to place in northern Mexico. They believed their patron god guided them on a long journey to find a new home.

Around 1250 C.E., the Mexica arrived in the Valley of Mexico. This area was already home to advanced city-states and the ruins of great civilizations like the Teotihuacáns and Toltecs. The Mexica learned from these older cultures and worked as skilled mercenaries for local rulers while they searched for a permanent home.

Section 2

The Mexica Found Their Capital City

Key Idea

The Mexica people followed a founding legend from their gods. This legend told them to build their capital where they saw an eagle on a cactus holding a snake. This divine sign would mark their new home and the center of their world.

In 1325 C.E., the Mexica found this sign on a swampy island in Lake Texcoco. They founded their city, Tenochtitlán, in this challenging location. What began as a simple refuge soon grew into one of the largest and most powerful cities in the Americas.

Section 3

Aztecs Engineer a City on a Lake

Key Idea

The Aztecs built their capital, Tenochtitlán, on a swampy island in Lake Texcoco. To create more land for farming and building, they used clever engineering. They constructed chinampas, or artificial islands, by piling mud onto reed mats. These "floating gardens" allowed them to grow food for the city's large population.

To connect their island to the mainland, the Aztecs built stone causeways, or raised roads, across the water. They also engineered aqueducts to carry fresh water from springs into the city. At Tenochtitlán's heart was a grand ceremonial plaza, demonstrating the empire's power.

Section 4

The Aztecs Forge an Empire

Key Idea

The city of Tenochtitlán grew strong, but the Aztecs were still under the control of the powerful Tepanec kingdom. To gain their freedom, the Aztec leader Itzcoatl looked for allies.

In 1428 C.E., Tenochtitlán joined with two other city-states, Texcoco and Tlacopan. Together, they formed the Triple Alliance and defeated the Tepanecs in a major war.

Lesson overview

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Section 1

The Mexica Settle the Valley of Mexico

Key Idea

The people who became the Aztecs originally called themselves the Mexica. For many years, they were a nomadic group, moving from place to place in northern Mexico. They believed their patron god guided them on a long journey to find a new home.

Around 1250 C.E., the Mexica arrived in the Valley of Mexico. This area was already home to advanced city-states and the ruins of great civilizations like the Teotihuacáns and Toltecs. The Mexica learned from these older cultures and worked as skilled mercenaries for local rulers while they searched for a permanent home.

Section 2

The Mexica Found Their Capital City

Key Idea

The Mexica people followed a founding legend from their gods. This legend told them to build their capital where they saw an eagle on a cactus holding a snake. This divine sign would mark their new home and the center of their world.

In 1325 C.E., the Mexica found this sign on a swampy island in Lake Texcoco. They founded their city, Tenochtitlán, in this challenging location. What began as a simple refuge soon grew into one of the largest and most powerful cities in the Americas.

Section 3

Aztecs Engineer a City on a Lake

Key Idea

The Aztecs built their capital, Tenochtitlán, on a swampy island in Lake Texcoco. To create more land for farming and building, they used clever engineering. They constructed chinampas, or artificial islands, by piling mud onto reed mats. These "floating gardens" allowed them to grow food for the city's large population.

To connect their island to the mainland, the Aztecs built stone causeways, or raised roads, across the water. They also engineered aqueducts to carry fresh water from springs into the city. At Tenochtitlán's heart was a grand ceremonial plaza, demonstrating the empire's power.

Section 4

The Aztecs Forge an Empire

Key Idea

The city of Tenochtitlán grew strong, but the Aztecs were still under the control of the powerful Tepanec kingdom. To gain their freedom, the Aztec leader Itzcoatl looked for allies.

In 1428 C.E., Tenochtitlán joined with two other city-states, Texcoco and Tlacopan. Together, they formed the Triple Alliance and defeated the Tepanecs in a major war.